SUMMER SPIRITS RELEASE
THE SPIRITS OF MEXICO
The thirst for Mexican spirits has increased over the last few years with customers looking to expand past their usual favourite 100% blue Weber agave tequilas to other Mexican spirits like mezcals and sotols. Here is a quick introduction on some famous and historical Mexican spirits. TEQUILA There are three main types of tequila—blanco, reposado, and añejo—with three additional variations. All tequilas are made from blue Weber agave. When making tequila, the hearts of agave are typically cooked in industrial, above-ground ovens or autoclaves before being fermented and distilled. BLANCO Also known as silver tequila, blanco is the unaged expression of tequila distilled from the blue Weber agave and hailing from one of five western states in Mexico. Look for bottles that are labeled “100% blue Weber agave.” JOVEN Tequila reposado is tequila that is aged in American or European oak barrels for at least two months and up to a year. Reposado tequilas have prominent agave flavours, are often known to have notes of vanilla, honey and toasted nuts and tend to have easier finish on the palate than blancos. AÑEJO Tequila añejo is tequila aged in American or European oak barrels for at least a year. Flavour can vary widely from oaky and spicy to buttery and warm, perfect for people who usually prefer whiskies. EXTRA AÑEJO Rare extra añejo expressions are aged for at least three years. Due to the extra time spent in contact with wood, these tequila have deep notes of caramel, chocolate, cinnamon and vanilla and resemble aged whisky and cognac. Blanco bottles labeled “joven” typically contain a small amount of aged tequila blended with unaged tequila. REPOSADO
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